FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The City of Fort Wayne announced Monday afternoon More Brewing Company will be building a new location near the intersection of Calhoun Street and E. Fourth Street.

More Brewing Company, which has two locations in the Chicago area and a third on the way, is planning to invest approximately $6 million to build a two-story, 16,000 square foot restaurant and brewery, located just north of the riverfront public space.

This would be the first project to be constructed at North River. 

Here is a rendering provided by the city of Fort Wayne:

The North River property is comprised of 29 acres generally bounded by Clinton, Fourth and Harrison streets and serves as an important gateway into downtown. The site was previously used as a rail yard and other industrial type uses, dating back to 1902. The land has not been actively used since 2006.

“Being able to advance a significant development at the North River site is a tremendous win for our community,” said Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer. “Successful public-private partnerships have positioned Fort Wayne as a leader in bringing new and unique amenities for residents, visitors, and businesses to enjoy.”

Owners of More Brewing Company Sunny and Perry Patel said they were drawn to Fort Wayne because one of their partners recently moved to the city.

They knew they wanted to expand outside of the Chicago suburbs. When they saw Phase I of riverfront development in Fort Wayne and the plans for Phase II, they fell in love with the idea of building here.

“That’s what got us excited,” Sunny Patel said. “It’s a beautiful first phase that they built. We cannot wait for the second phase and to be a part of it.”

The Patels said they hope to break ground around this time in 2023 and officially open in 2024. Construction would take 10 to 12 months.

They told WANE 15 that More Brewing Company is known for its stouts and IPAs, but their variety of food options are “top-notch” as well.

We want to be a family-oriented place, more than just a bar,” Perry Patel said.

Later Monday, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will be asked to approve an economic development agreement as the first step in the process for the proposal to move forward. The approval of this agreement highlights the plans for continued development and investment along the riverfront.

Executive Director of the Redevelopment Commission, Jonathan Leist, said adding More Brewing Company to Phase II of riverfront development is a great start as they move further down the St. Mary’s River away from Promenade Park.

“It is an amazing location. The views today are great, but are only going to get better. We started phase 2A construction earlier this year, which is next to riverfront at Promenade. Bidding for phase2B, the rest of this area behind me is coming up very soon so construction there will also start this year,” Leist said.

The City anticipates more economic development projects on the North River site in the coming months. That projects plan to fill in the south side of the site near Fourth Street.